We try to be as careful
as we can while using the furniture at home. Inspite
of this the furniture can get damaged due to everyday
wear and tear. If you are a little careless the
furniture can get stained very easily. While using
furniture regularly it can get stained by water, oil,
color etc. These stains can be removed from the
furniture. Here are a few tips on removing common
stains from furniture:
Water Stains
The most common stains are the white spots and rings made by
water.
If it is a fresh stain then just remove the source of
moisture on the wood surface.
The white ring is water vapor trapped on the surface of the
finish. It can disappear sometimes because it is reabsorbed by
dry air. Humidity can delay the process and using a hair dryer
can accelerate the process.
If your table has a satin or dull sheen, use a very soft
steel wool pad and some lemon oil. Dip the pad in the oil and
rub on the stained area in the direction of the grain of the
wood. When the stain is removed you may have to polish the
rest of the table to even out the sheen. As a final touch wipe
off extra oil and apply a polish of your choice.
For tables with glossy sheen use a little white toothpaste
on a dry cotton towel and rub on stain. It the spot gets
glossier than the rest of the area then use rubbing compounds
to even the gloss. Use a polish of your choice once you
finish.
A simple trick is to apply Vaseline on the stain and wipe it
off once it disappears.
If none of the above work, then the water has penetrated
deep inside and you will have to refinish.
Removing Color Stains
Stripping wood need not remove color from
wood. You can lighten wood if is stained dark.
You can always stain wood to look darker but
cannot always lighten the stain.
If the furniture is stained with aniline dye
then you can remove it using chemicals to bleach it. You will
have to do this outdoors and you must use a respirator.
To remove dark stains from wood, like dark
rings, gray oxidation use oxalic acid crystals. Make a
saturated solution using the crystals. That is mix with warm
water till the crystals stop dissolving.
Sand the entire surface lightly and apply
this solution over the surface using a synthetic brush. Leave
till the stain disappears.
This treatment will raise the grain. You will
have to sand the surface to smoothen it. Wear a particle mask
while sanding and do this outdoors if possible.
